Higher Certificate programmes at DBS have a very practical focus and are ideal for students who prefer to 'learn by doing'. The Higher Certificate in Business programme is designed to equip students with a range of knowledge and practical skills, which will form the basis for commencing a career in general business or for progressing to higher level academic qualifications. Students who successfully complete the higher certificate programme can achieve full degree awards through further study.


Year 1

Six mandatory subjects provide foundation knowledge in core business disciplines and techniques and impart essential business skills.


Year 2

Student knowledge and understanding of key business disciplines is further developed through four mandatory subjects. Students choose a further two subjects that allow them to focus on more specialised areas of their choice. Structure and Content The Higher Certificate in Business covers all the essential aspects of business and equips students with fundamental business knowledge and skills. It embraces a wide range of business subjects focusing on general business administration and management plus the primary business disciplines of marketing, finance and people management. Students develop significant skills in oral and written communications as well as skills in a range of information technology applications.


Transfer Students

Students holding relevant qualifications may qualify for entry to the second year of the programme.


Career Opportunities

As this programme covers a broad spectrum of business subjects, career opportunities for graduates are numerous. The wide-range of business knowledge and skills gained by students on this programme makes them an attractive proposition for a range of employment opportunities in many business areas including marketing, sales, information technology, finance and general administration. Graduates who continue their studies and gain suitable work experience can look forward to advancement to management positions. Career Opportunities As this programme covers a broad spectrum of business subjects, career opportunities for graduates are numerous. The wide-range of business knowledge and skills gained by students on this programme makes them an attractive proposition for a range of employment opportunities in many business areas including marketing, sales, information technology, finance and general administration. Graduates who continue their studies and gain suitable work experience can look forward to advancement to management positions.


Further Study Options

Students who successfully complete their programme will qualify for entry onto the final year of the ordinary degree programmes (Level 7 awards) or year 2 of the BA (Hons) business degree programmes (Level 8 awards).


Programme Content

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for entry is five Leaving Certificate passes including at least an Ordinary level D3 in Maths and English (or another language)

Applicants with any FETAC (NCVA level 2/3 award)

Mature applicants (over 23 on January 1st of year of entry to programme) do not have to compete with school leavers in terms of academic achievement, provided they can demonstrate from their work/life experiences that they are able to pursue and benefit from their chosen programme.

Non-EU applicants should apply directly to the college for this course. The acceptability of their qualifications will be determined by the International office in conjunction with the Head of the Business School.

All applicants are expected to be competent in both written and spoken english. For more information on admission click here.